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Teachers get inspiration from 'flick books'

Issue date: 29 September 2010

Art, Design, Technology and Media teachers taking part in an exciting new project from the University of the West of England will learn new techniques to make 'flick books' and develop valuable skills to inspire their pupils to make their own versions.

Flick books are a series of pictures that vary slightly from one page to the next, so when the pages are 'flicked' it gives the impression of motion. They were one of the earliest forms of animation. The simple form of flick books means they can be produced easily using many different techniques and ideas. They are also an ideal tool for developing a range of skills and creative talents in young people.

The Flick-Flip-Flick project kicks off with an exhibition of flick books created by professional animators from Aardman Animations, using a range of innovative techniques. The books, which look like miniature films when they are flicked quickly, were created using techniques including hand drawn, painted, 3D modelling, stop motion, photography and CGI. The animators worked with researchers from the Centre for Fine Print Research at UWE to explore new technologies such as laser cutting and UV digital presses. Each new work will be printed as both an A3 print and made into a book and will be exhibited at the Bower Ashton Campus 4 - 15 October 2010.

The Flick-Flip-Flick project is an opportunity for teachers and school students to work with professional animators, researchers and artists through a series of workshops where they will learn new skills and use state-of-the-art technology. The project will enable teachers to take the new techniques and ideas back to their schools, and use them with pupils at all levels of education.

An exhibition of the work produced by teachers and pupils during the project will tour from UWE's Bower Ashton Campus, to schools in Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and then to the National Media Museum in Denmark in 2011. Their work will be shown alongside the work of leading creative industry professionals.

Sam Thomson, Co-ordinator of Engagement with Schools, Colleges and Community in Creative Arts at UWE helped to organise the project. She said, “This is a fantastic project which has been developed through a genuine partnership between UWE, Aardman Animations and schools and colleges staff. It offers us the chance to work together on shared aims and support the achievement of young people in Art, Design and Media. As well as drawing on our research expertise Flick-Flip-Flick will enable young people to gain access to information and real-world experience which can help then to understand what is involved in being a professional Creative Practitioner, such as an artist, animator, or designer. ”

UWE will be celebrating the launch of Flick-Flip-Flick on Tuesday 5 October with an introduction to the project for teachers and tutors, and an exhibition preview at UWE's Bower Ashton Campus from 18.00 – 20.00. The project will continue throughout 2010/11 with a preview of the end of project exhibition before it begins its tour in the UK and to Denmark.